We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly. We support the following browsers:
Windows:Internet Explorer,
Mozilla Firefox,
Google Chrome.
Mac:Safari.

Not ready to book?

No rush. We've saved this trip in your cart
so you can come back any time, compare prices, and complete your booking.

Description: Explore Canada's largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings and...

Explore Canada's largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings and take part in year-round special events on this 43-acre site..
Built in 1793, Fort York National Historic Site is the birthplace of urban Toronto. It is best known as the location where the Battle of York came to its violent climax in 1813 during the War of 1812. The Fort served as the city's primary harbour defence between the 1790s and the 1880s, and was the home of a military garrison until the 1930s.
Today, its defensive walls enclose Canada's largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings. Every year, thousands of people visit the site to explore its fascinating history and enjoy its public programs.
Fort York is one of 10 historic sites operated by the City of Toronto. Toronto's Historic Sites engage visitors, inspire passion, challenge ideas and connect the past to the present.

We had a hard time finding the Fort, certainly that was my fault on not being clear on the location. It was also incredibly hot that day, so my the time we got there patience was worn thin. There was another event there on that day, so it wasn't exactly what we were expecting. There were some interesting historical things...
More

This was an unexpected find in Toronto. My son is a history buff and he was thrilled to see this. If you love your history, then I would recommend. The admission is only $9. It would take about an hour to tour.

I was not impressed with this fort on my previous visit and that was reflected in my critique. But to be fair, our recent re-visit showed what huge improvements there have been made at Fort York. A much more modern visitor centre awaits visitors, with a slick and more welcoming atmosphere. The history of native peoples also figures more heavily,...
More

Extremely informative place to visit. Visuals are good, not great. But if your history knowledge of the war of 1812 is lacking 90 minutes here will blow your mind! Also Amazing to see how far lake ontario has been moved since the fort was originally built. Great value place to visit.

We visited Fort York on Canada day so admission was free, however due to a local food festival being set up we were unable to go into the actual fort and look around, which was our main reason for visiting the site. The visitors centre and guided tour were good and we got to see a musket firing display, but...
More

Monday, 13 July, 2015
I volunteer at nearby Evangel Hall, a short walk from Fort York, and would gladly bring many residents to visit, but for accessibility and safety concerns.
The East Entrance, the easiest and safest gate, is almost always locked, so one has to walk around to either the south or west approaches, both of which are inaccessible...
More

Fun place to walk through to learn about the war of 1812. They have well maintained buildings with exhibits in each building. Also employees are in period costumes with daily cannon and musket firings.

Was this review helpful?Yes

Problem with this review?Report

FortYorkToronto, Manager at Fort York National Historic Site, responded to this review

We're glad you enjoyed your visit! You can find out more about upcoming events at Fort York by visiting our website: www.toronto.ca/fortyork
More

Questions? Get answers from Fort York National Historic Site staff and past visitors.

Posting guidelines

Get notified about new answers to your questions.

Typical questions asked:

Do I have to buy a ticket for my infant?

How do I get there using public transportation?

Is there a restaurant or café onsite?

Staying in Queen Street and West Queen West

Neighborhood Profile

Queen Street and West Queen West

Known as the Art & Design District, West Queen West is one of the most energetic and dynamic of Toronto's neighborhoods. Along with its great modernist museums, clubs, and restaurants, it's home to some of the funkiest specialty shops, ranging from clothing to stationary to collectables, and caters to niche and vintage shoppers of all kinds. That makes it a mecca for creatives, including hobbyists designers, writers, and painters. With ink on their hands and fabric pelts in their bags, visitors to Queen Street traverse the avant-garde blend of historic architecture and ultra-contemporary fare. Home to some of Toronto's chicest hotels and most modish java fixes, busy with street cars, and always suffused with live music drifting onto packed patios at bars and clubs by nightfall, the vibrancy of West Queen West is undeniable.

* TripAdvisor LLC is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site... (more)

We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly. We support the following browsers:
Windows:Internet Explorer,
Mozilla Firefox,
Google Chrome.
Mac:Safari.

TripAdvisor LLC is not responsible for content on external web sites. Taxes, fees not included for deals content.